Eating Habits in the UK Have Changed Over The Years: National Food Survey

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Food habits have changed over the years. People are moving away from the classic combo such as the Great British tradition of tea and toast, fish and chips, suggests data that tracks changing food habits through the generations.

Eating Habits in the UK Have Changed Over The Years: National Food Survey

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Some people have moved towards healthier diets in the recent decades, with shifts to low-calorie soft drinks, from whole to skimmed milk.

‘Since 1974, Britons have reduced the consumption of bread slices by 40%. In the last four decades, the consumption of bread slices has fallen from 25 slices to 15.’

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The new figures from the National Food Survey revealed the changing food habits of Britons. The amount of bread consumed by the Britons has reduced by 40 percent since 1974. The figures suggest that some people eating bread have fallen from 25 slices to 15 slices a week in the last four decades.

Since the 1970s, the consumption of tea has fallen from 68g per week to 25g. On an average, Britons are drinking eight cups of tea a week, down from 23 in 1974.

Tom Blair, Yorkshire Tea brand manager, said, "This is all a bit of a storm in a teacup. People aren't drinking as much tea, but when they are, they're choosing quality, which is why we're the only standard black tea brand in growth."

The new data from 150,000 households who took part in the National Food Survey between 1974 and 2000, combined with information from 2000 to 2014 shows a dramatic shift from white to brown, wholemeal and other bread.

The popular British staple, fish and chips, appears to be in decline. The consumption of white fish and takeaway fish halved between 1974 and 2014. However, the consumption of chips has increased significantly.

People are eating the same amount of fresh vegetables as they were 40 years ago. The increase in freezers and microwaves have also led to the shifts in food. The consumption of ready to eat and convenience meat have increased six-fold since 1974.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said, "Food is the heart and soul of our society, and this data not only shows what we were eating 40 years ago but how a change in culture has led to a food revolution."

"Shoppers are more plugged into where their food comes from than ever before, the internet has brought quality produce to our doorsteps at the click of a button, pop-up restaurants are showcasing the latest trends and exciting global cuisines are now as common as fish and chips."

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